Laporta explains why Lamine Yamal is ready to replace Lionel Messi as Barcelona’s new icon: ‘It’s time for a change’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the time has arrived for Lamine Yamal to establish himself as the club’s new leading figure, insisting the teenage sensation is ready to embrace football’s biggest occasions.

Speaking on the eve of the FIFA World Cup final, Laporta reflected on Lionel Messi’s extraordinary legacy at Barcelona while explaining why he sees Lamine as the player capable of carrying the club’s identity into a new generation.

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Notably, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final carries special significance for Barcelona, with nine current or former La Masia graduates set to feature on football’s biggest stage.

Laporta believes Yamal is ready to follow Messi

Messi’s place in Barcelona’s history remains untouchable, but Laporta believes every great era eventually gives way to another.

“I believe now is Lamine’s moment. I want this to be Lamine’s moment. Messi has given us years of glory; he is part of the glorious and splendid past of our history.”

The president was also asked about the famous photograph showing Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal during a Barcelona Foundation charity calendar shoot, an image that has once again gone viral before the World Cup final.

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Reflecting on that remarkable moment, Laporta said,

Laporta has tipped Lamine Yamal for greatness. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“We’re also very proud of our Foundation, and that it just so happened – I believe either by chance or by divine providence – that Messi was giving Lamine a bath.

“It’s incredible. Reality surpasses fiction.”

Laporta confident Lamine will embrace World Cup final

Despite the enormous pressure surrounding the World Cup final, Laporta believes Lamine possesses the personality needed to perform on the biggest occasions.

“Lamine is a genius. He doesn’t flinch in the face of these events, which could overwhelm anyone else.

“He’s very brave, he faces everything head-on and is very mature for his age.”

The Barcelona president then revealed what he hopes to see once the match begins.

Laporta is proud of La Masia’s impact. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

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“I believe and hope that tomorrow will be Lamine’s match, that he’ll make his mark, because that’s the way of football.

“There are players who are the benchmark at a certain point in time, and now it’s time for a change.”

La Masia’s impact on World Cup

Laporta also highlighted the remarkable influence of La Masia on the World Cup final, pointing out that Barcelona’s academy continues to produce elite talent capable of competing at the very highest level.

As he explained: “Just think – Barça’s La Masia produces and nurtures players of immense talent.

“We’re proud to have players like Lamine Yamal and many others – there’s Gavi, Cubarsí, Eric García… And players like Messi too.

“It’s a source of pride for a club like ours that two players who’ve come through our academy can be part of this,” he concluded.

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